Ways for Family to Deal with Cancer

When a person is diagnosed with cancer it doesn’t just affect the person who is suffering from the disease, it also affects the entire family. The spouse, children, parents, friends, and loved ones are all impacted by the diagnoses. There is a vast amount of information on cancer and what to do, and how to maintain when you have cancer; where to go and what to do next. There is not as much information on how the family can cope with this major change in their lives. These are some things friends and family can do to deal with their family member’s illness while supporting them through this difficult time.

Take Care of Yourself

As a family member or friend of a person who is suffering from cancer is can be stressful, and they can forget to take care of themselves. It is important to remember that you have to keep yourself strong for the time when your loved one feels weak. Try your best to remain positive, exercise or begin to exercise regularly to combat stress, accept there are things that are out of your control, state your beliefs instead of becoming angry, and consider joining a support group so you don’t feel so alone in your experiences.

Be Open and Honest

Being open to asking questions, receiving and hearing information about your loved one and their illness will help you through this process. If you are with your loved one and they don’t mind, ask the doctor questions about their condition, the medications, and the changes behavior or mood. This is going to be a difficult time for the person with cancer so try to prepare yourself, be realistic about your needs and the needs of your loved one, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Asking for help could be exactly what you and your loved one need to get through the time.